188 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45123/09]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal from the person concerned was received on 16 October 2009 and in accordance with the statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Social Welfare Services on the matters raised in the appeal were sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.